In 2011 the annual average monthly gross wages and the real wages grew in Estonia

According to Statistics Estonia, in 2011, the average monthly gross wages and salaries were 839 euros and increased by 5.9% compared to the previous year. The real wages also increased after the two years’ decrease.

The real wages which took into
account the influence of the change in the consumer price index and which shows
the purchasing power of wages and salaries, increased 0.9% in 2011 compared to
the previous year. In 2009 as well in 2010, the real wages decreased 4.9% and
1.8%, respectively.

In 2011, the average hourly gross
wages and salaries were 5.04 euros and increased by 5.4% compared to the
previous year.

In 2011, the average monthly and
hourly gross wages and salaries increased the most in real estate activities,
11.4% and 13.3%, respectively. In 2010, the wages and salaries in this economic
activity decreased the most and due to the low comparison basis in 2011 the
increase was also the biggest.

Compared to 2010, the average
monthly and hourly gross wages and salaries decreased only in other service
activities, 4.8% and 7.9%, respectively.

In 2011, the employer’s average
monthly labour costs per employee were 1,137euros and the average hourly labour
costs were 7.55 euros. Compared to 2010, the average monthly labour costs per
employee increased by 5.8% and the average hourly labour costs by 4.6%.

In 2011, the average monthly and
hourly labour costs per employee increased the most in real estate activities,
11.2% and 12.0%, respectively.

Compared to 2010, the average
monthly and hourly labour costs per employee decreased only in other service
activities, 5.2% and 6.8%, respectively.

Average monthly gross wages and salaries and monthly labour costs per employee, 2011

In 2011, the average monthly gross
wages and salaries in public sector were 853 euros and in private sector 834
euros. Compared to 2010, the average monthly gross wages and salaries in public
sector increased by 3.9% and in private sector by 6.8%. Public sector also
includes companies owned by the state or local government.

Statistics Estonia conducts the
survey of wages and salaries statistics on the basis of international
methodology since 1992. In 2011, the sample included 11,277 enterprises,
institutions and organisations. The average monthly gross wages and salaries
have been given in full time units to enable a comparison of different wages
and salaries, irrespective of the length of working time. Calculations of the
monthly gross wages and salaries are based on payments for actually worked time
and remuneration for time not worked. The hourly gross wages and salaries do
not include remuneration for time not worked (holiday leave pay, benefits,
etc.). In short term statistics, the average gross wages and salaries are
measured as a component of labour costs. Labour costs include gross wages and
salaries, employer’s contributions and employer’s imputed social contributions
to employees.

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